Lav Diaz's latest epic wins big at Gawad Urian

MANILA (5th UPDATE) - An internationally acclaimed historical epic from award-winning director Lav Diaz led the way at the 37th Gawad Urian held at the Dolphy Theater on Tuesday night.

"Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan" (North, The End of History) received the night's most prestigious award -- Best Picture -- along with other nods such as Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Actress.

The film revolves around the life of three characters -- a man wrongly jailed for murder, a law school drop-out with a lopsided sense of morality, and a convict who finds life in prison more tolerable. It is loosely based on the Russia's canonical piece of literature, Fyodor Dostovyevsky's Crime and Punishment.

Award-winning actor Sid Lucero stars in one of the leading roles, alongside Archie Alemania, and actress Angeli Bayani. The three were all nominated for the annual awards ceremony but only Agbayani managed to win in her category.

The flustered theater talent, who admittedly did not prepare an acceptance speech, bested the likes of screen veterans Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Cheri Gil, and Eugene Domingo on her way to winning her first Gawad Urian award.

"Gusto ko lang po sabihin kaya po ako na-ooverwhelm ng ganito ay una sa lahat, I would like to share this honor to everyone who was nominated," she said.

"It is an honor to be named among such honorable and brilliant actresses. I feel like this is not happening right now. At feeling ko kailangan ko magtago dahil sa mga Noranians and Vilmanians," she added referring to the fanbase of the two revered actresses.

Among the other winners for the night were veteran actor Joel Torre for his role in the action-thriller "On The Job," which also won Best Sound.

"I would like to dedicate this award to a very special person. She's the most important person in my life. For 30 years, she stood up with my mistress, which was my career, but until now, she's still here," he said.

"To my wife, para sa iyo to. I know you love diamonds but this is more meaningful and more precious," he continued.

Angel Aquino was named Best Supporting Actress -- a category she was nominated twice in -- for her role in "Ang Huling Cha Cha ni Anita".

"It feels surreal competing against myself," Aquino quipped.

First-time director Hannah Espia was also recognized for her work in "Transit" -- a film which shows the horrors of life as an OFW in Israel. It stars Ping Medina, who was also nominated for the night, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Espia becomes only the third female director to win Best Director since the awarding body was formed back in 1977.